Diversity & Inclusion Champion Sally Archibald putting women’s squash centre stage

Manchester-based volunteer Sally Archibald, who is striving to make squash the “go-to sport for women in the UK”, has been named Diversity & Inclusion Champion at the 2025 England Squash Awards.

Sally works tirelessly to support women and girls’ squash not only in the North West, where she captains City of Manchester Squash Club and sits on the North West Women’s Squash League committee (NWWSL), but also nationwide through her charity Girls in Motion.

Born out of her own experience of returning to the sport after becoming a mum and struggling to find her “space”, she launched the charity in 2024 to “experiment with ideas and initiatives within women’s squash”.

Targeting participation, competition, and leadership, Sally has led a variety of events over the past 12 months, including squash festivals supported by professional players like British champion Tesni Evans, tournaments designed for beginner players, junior meets, and a Women’s Squash Week celebration attended by 60 women and girls.

“I’ve got a real passion for giving women a space to play,” Sally said. “With Girls in Motion we’ve had the freedom to talk to women, to build ideas into events that appeal to them, and create the spaces we want.

“Pro player Lowri Roberts came to a junior meet, inspiring the young girls. She’s got a clothing brand where she’s showing a different side to sport. You can look good on court and play squash. The girls loved the sample clothes she brought down!

“It’s not just about what’s on court, it’s all the other things squash can bring and having a holistic approach. Sport is not just exercise, it’s your lifestyle, something you be part of, and a community.”

Elsewhere, Sally has been instrumental in growing the NWWSL, notably helping to launch a new division aimed at beginner and inexperienced players which attracted 15 teams in its first season.

“It’s once a month, teams are grouped in threes, and you meet in one place, so it’s got a festival feel. Everyone gets two matches, so if one doesn’t go right, you have another chance. The feedback has been really positive,” Sally said.

“It was about changing perceptions and dispelling the myths of what a league night is like – this is about fun and community.”

Sally is brimming with ideas for what the future holds, from taking squash into schools and businesses to connecting the 16 women’s leagues across the country to facilitate greater collaboration and support.

“The goal is to create a squash ecosystem that is beneficial for women,” she said.